To understand the importance of acidity or alkalinity in your body, let’s first look to understand pH. We want our bodies to achieve “homeostasis” – a balance between acid and alkaline body chemistry. We do not want to swing too far in either direction.
I want to make it clear that we are not discussing the pH of the stomach or stomach acids, which need to be very acidic. We are talking about the balance in various body fluids and tissues. I love the explanation of body pH in this video. Give it a quick watch.
Acid or Alkaline is measured according to pH levels
- Use a scale of 0-14
- pH level of 7.0 is neutral
- pH below 7 is on the acidic side
- pH above 7 is on the alkaline side
pH Examples:
- Water has a pH of 7 or neutral
- Seawater has a pH of 8.4, moderately alkaline
- A healthy range for human saliva is 6.5 pH, slightly acidic
- A healthy range of human urine is a 6.5 pH, slightly acidic
- Healthy human blood has a pH of 7.4, slightly alkaline
- Stomach acid has a pH of 2, very acidic
- Coffee has a pH of 5, moderately acidic
Think about the internal enviroment of your body. Science has discovered that “dis-ease” organisms prefer an acidic environment over an alkaline environment. Disease can only survive in an acidic environment. Having an acidic environment is a key contributor to symptoms and health issues from a simple cold to a chronic conditions to serious disease.
Ways to Maintain Optimal Body pH Levels
Eat Alkaline Foods
- most fresh fruits
- most fresh vegetables
- few raw nuts, more seeds
- spices and herbs
- sea salt
- sea weed
- green tea, most herbal teas
- alfalfa
- apple cider vinegar
- soy protein shakes
Avoid Acidic Foods
- red meat
- animal meat
- all dairy products
- white sugar
- white flour
- fast foods
- deep fried foods
- legumes and lentils
- table salt
- caffeine – coffee, black tea
- carbonated drinks
- chocolate
- alcohol
- food additives and flavorings
- artificial sweetners
- cigarettes
- medications
- stress and emotional upset
This lifestyle is not easy for most, let’s be honest. However, it will be worth every bit of effort, and every dollar, to be at optimum health. Let’s face it…without your health, you have nothing.
How can you check your Body’s pH Level?
- Purchase pH test strips or paper at your local drugstore
- Test either saliva or urine by putting a little on the strip or paper
- Watch the paper turn color
- Promptly compare resulting color to the color scale on provided with pH packaging
- Perform this test one hour before eating or two hours after a meal
- Look for a healthy pH of 6.5
The Key to Balancing Body Chemistry
Remember, the best way to balance your body chemistry is with your diet. The acid/alkaline levels of your body pH will control the health of YOU! How you feel, and how easily you ward off disease, is greatly dependent on maintaining a slightly alkaline body pH. Your water, your food, your lifestyle and even your supplements should all work together to create a relaxed stated of mind and slightly alkaline body pH. If you’re not there yet, contact me about getting started on the right path with Shaklee.
